Energy for the Future (1990s, 2000s & 2010s)

Memories of the tough 1980s fade as the exciting 1990s begin. The company transforms from an unprofitable oil and gas company to a dynamic, highly profitable enterprise. The vision of President and Chief Executive Officer Rick George is to be a successful "sustainable energy company."

Numerous changes establish Suncor as a world leader in oil sands mining and processing. Suncor reduces operating costs by switching technology from bucketwheel excavators to truck and shovel mining, and the government changes tax royalties to reduce the risk for oil sands capital investments.

The decade ends with the launch of Project Millennium, a four-year, $3.4 billion expansion to increase production capacity to 225,000 by 2002.

1999

Construction begins on Project Millennium, an expansion project to increase oil sands production capacity to 225,000 barrels per day by 2002.

TransAlta builds, owns and operates a cogeneration facility at Suncor's oil sands facility. The agreement provides steam and electricity for increased production rates.

Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year is Rick George.

Riding on the growth and successes of the past, the new millennium focuses on providing energy for the future. This comes in a variety of forms… acquiring a ConocoPhillips’ refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, the opening of both the "Firebag" in situ oil sands facility in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and the development of wind power projects in Alberta and Ontario.

With the completion of Project Millennium, production capacity at oil sands increases to 225,000 barrels per day. With all the activity so far this decade, the future appears bright.

Milestones (2000s)

2000

Suncor unveils plans to invest $100 million by 2005 in alternative and renewable energy.

2003

Suncor is first to comply with the sustainability reporting guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative with its 2003 Report on Sustainability.

2004

Suncor celebrates the official opening of the Firebag in situ oil sands facility. The facility has significant environmental benefits – disturbing less land than open pit mining and using recycled water.

Suncor initiates approximately $1 billion worth of projects to expand presence in the downstream industry.

After 30 years, Suncor plants its three-millionth tree within the 900+ hectares of reclaimed land at the Steepbank Mine site.

Suncor celebrates the opening of second wind power project in Magrath, Alberta, producing 30 megawatts of electricity from 20 wind turbines.

2005

Devastating January fire encases the upgrader in ice and cuts production by half for eight months. Thankfully, no injuries occur.

Commissioning of the oil sands upgrading expansion increases production capacity to 260,000 barrels per day of upgraded crude oil.

Construction begins on a $120 million ethanol facility near Sarnia, Ontario to produce 200 million litres of ethanol per year then blended into Sunoco gasoline.

Suncor invests $3 million (largest in the company’s history) with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton to address the shortage of skilled tradespeople in Alberta.

Suncor announces its third Alberta wind power plant near Taber, Alberta (30 megawatts) and first Ontario project near Ripley (76 megawatts).

2006

On January 4, Suncor reaches a significant milestone at its oil sands facility – the sale of its billionth barrel of oil sands crude since operations began in 1967.

The first Suncor Energy-branded commercial "FleetFuels Cardlock" opens in Fort McMurray to meet the growing demand for high-quality, low sulphur diesel fuel and gasoline in the Wood Buffalo region.

Suncor receives regulatory approval to construct and operate a third oil sands upgrader. Part of the Voyageur growth strategy, the upgrader is a key component of increasing oil production to more than half a million barrels per day by 2012.

2009

Competition Bureau approves the proposed merger of Suncor and Petro-Canada.

The merger of Suncor and Petro-Canada becomes effective August 1, creating Canada's largest energy company and the fifth largest North American-based energy company.

As the 2000s come to a close, Suncor embarks on a new and exciting chapter. While much has changed, the company’s core identity remains unaltered. Suncor continues to be focused on responsibly developing Canada’s oil sands in a way that enhances social and economic benefits while striving to minimize environmental impacts.

With the merger complete, a larger, stronger and more financially flexible Suncor is in a position to compete globally while continuing to invest in both innovation and growth.

Milestones (2010s)

2010

The ERCB approves Suncor’s tailings management plan which includes expanded implementation of its TROTM technology; a process expected to significantly accelerate the rate of land and tailings reclamation.

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are held and Suncor, through its Petro-Canada brand, is the National Oil and Gas Partner.

An industry milestone is achieved when Suncor becomes the first oil sands company to complete surface reclamation of a tailings pond. The area, formerly known as Pond 1, is renamed Wapisiw Lookout to pay tribute to the history of the region.

Suncor enters into a strategic partnership with Total E&P Canada Ltd., to jointly develop the Fort Hills and Joslyn oil sands mining projects and restart construction of the Voyageur upgrader.

Suncor unveils its ten-year growth strategy with a target to increase production to more than one million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

2011

Civil unrest escalates in Libya. Suncor withdraws from the region, evacuating all expatriate staff and offering support for non-Suncor evacuation efforts.

Capacity at the Sarnia-based St. Clair Ethanol Plant is doubled making it Canada’s largest biofuel production facility.

Many sanctions in Libya are lifted and Suncor takes preliminary steps to resume production with joint venture operator Harouge.

Edmonton refinery employees celebrate 60 years of operations.

Suncor celebrates the one-year anniversary of Wapisiw Lookout by planting the five-millionth tree at its oil sands site.

After more than 20 years as Suncor’s President and CEO, Rick George announces his intention to retire following the company’s Annual General Meeting in May of 2012.

Chief Operating Officer, Steve Williams, is appointed President and a member of Suncor’s Board of Directors. He will assume the role of CEO following the retirement of Rick George in May 2012.

Suncor complies with sanctions on Syria by declaring force majeure and suspending operations in the country.

Rick George is named 2011 Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada.

Record earnings and production are achieved in 2011.

2012

With the 2012 London Olympic Games on the horizon, Suncor, the proud owner of Petro-Canada, renews its partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee for an additional four years.